U.S. Navy:
DEVESELU, Romania (NNS) — Cmdr. Jonathan Lipps relieved Cmdr. Andrew Carlson as the second commanding officer of U.S. Aegis Ashore Missile Defense System (AAMDS) Romania during a change of command ceremony in Deveselu, officiated by Commander, Naval Surface Force Atlantic (SURFLANT).
Rear Adm. Christopher Grady, SURFLANT commander, referenced the legacy of American Sailors and surface forces being foremost in diplomacy and first in a line of defense. Drawing comparisons between the historic deployment of the Great White Fleet and Aegis Ashore, he stated that the Sailors that man Aegis Ashore today are “standing on the deck of a modern Great White Fleet.”
He further highlighted the rapid fielding of Aegis Ashore and stated, “This crew has trained, tested and deployed for a first-of-its-kind mission in less time than it took the Great White Fleet to sail around the world!”
Commenting on Lipps’ history in missile defense, Grady referenced the fact that the Navy surface fleet “has been resolute, ready, and lethal on arrival in support of our nation and our allies” and charged Lipps and crew with protecting our friends and allies from devastating threats.
During the ceremony, Carlson addressed the crew and guests in both English and Romanian. He challenged the team of “exo-atmospheric warriors” to own the system, the facility, and the mission as the construct matures into an operational nature.
Carlson also expressed appreciation for the hospitality and culture afforded by the armed forces and the people of Romania; noting specifically the leadership of the Romanian 99th Military Base, co-located with Naval Support Facility Deveselu, and reflecting on how his family had been welcomed into the Romanian community for the last 15 months with warmth and kindness.
Adhering to a time-honored tradition; both Carlson and Lipps read their orders to the assembled crew. Following an exchange of salutes and subsequent reports to Commander, Task Force 64 Commodore, Capt. Jeff Wolstenholme, Lipps assumed command.
Lipps extended his compliments and appreciation to both Grady and Wolstenholme for their attendance, while also acknowledging family, friends, and mentors who were unable to make the travel to southern Romania.
Carlson successfully led Aegis Ashore Sailors through construction, Board of Inspection and Survey, and certification of the world’s first operational AAMDS. He will next report to future USS Zumwalt (DDG 1000) as executive officer before fleeting-up and taking command of the Navy’s newest and most advanced guided-missile destroyer.
Established last year in support of the presidential mandate to provide Ballistic Missile Defense (BMD) for Europe, AAMDS Romania is the land-based component of the Aegis BMD System that utilizes the same elements (radar, SM-3 Blk IB guided missile, command and control, etc.) employed on the Navy’s newest constructed Aegis BMD destroyers. While providing for the BMD of U.S Forces and allies in Europe, command of AAMDS Romania includes over 100 Sailors stationed at both Deveselu, Romania and Dam Neck, Virginia. AAMDS is under the operational control of Commander, U.S. 6th Fleet, executed through Commander Task Force 64, the U.S. Navy’s Integrated Air and Missile Defense Task Force in Europe.
